Ablation Device With Cooled Electrodes And Methods of Use

ABSTRACT

An electrosurgical end effector for ablating tissue is provided that comprises at least one electrically-conductive ablation member adapted to be connected to a source of RF energy, with the ablation member having a tissue engaging surface and an internal fluid passageway. Preferably, the end effector includes two electrically conductive ablation members that are electrically isolated from one another.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/337,820 filed Dec. 18, 2008 and claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/016,087, filed Dec. 21, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/172,554 filed Apr. 24, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter described herein relates to an electrosurgical instrument for ablating tissue and, more particularly, to a bi-polar radio frequency, electrosurgical instrument for ablating tissue. More specifically, the subject matter has particular utility in forming lines of ablation in cardiac tissue. However, it is not limited to such application.

Atrial fibrillation (“AF”), is a cardiac rhythm disorder and is one of the most common types of heart arrhythmia. AF is understood to result from errant electrical impulses in the heart tissue, and one surgical treatment for AF involves creating lines of scar tissue in the heart that serve to block the pathways for the errant electrical impulses. Lines of scar tissue may be created by various ablation techniques, including surgically cutting the heart tissue, freezing the tissue with cryogenic probe, and heating the tissue with radio frequency (“RE”) energy.

Exemplary RF instruments for cardiac ablation and the methods of use of such instruments are disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,546,935, 6,899,710, 6,905,498 and 6,974,454, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. These patents are generally directed to bi-polar RF ablation instruments with opposed jaws, each jaw having an ablation element or RF electrode thereon, with the jaws being relatively moveable so as to clamp tissue therebetween. Such clamps can provide for generally consistent compression of the tissue held between the clamp jaws. resulting in good electrical contact and the targeted delivery of RF energy. A bi-polar RF ablation clamp such as those disclosed in the above-referenced patents is available from AtriCure, Inc. as the Isolator® Ablation Clamp.

In addition to the bi-polar clamps for ablation with the ablation electrodes on the opposed jaw members, such as those described above, it is also known to provide a bi-polar RF ablation instrument that has the ablation elements spaced apart and carried on a single working surface attached to the end of a semi-rigid shaft. Such an instrument may be used in the same procedure as the bi-polar clamps discussed above for making connecting ablation lines or lesions. See, e.g., U.S. Published Patent Applications Nos. 2006/0161149 and 2006/0161151, both published on Jul. 20, 2006, and 2008/0009853, published Jan. 10, 2008, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such instruments are commonly referred to as “pens”, and an exemplary bi-polar RF pen is also available from AtriCure, Inc. as the Isolator® Multifunctional Pen. This particular pen also includes pacing and sensing electrodes that permit the surgeon to confirm, during surgery, the creation of a transmural ablation with a single instrument.

Additionally, elongated probes and catheters have been used for mapping epicardial or endocardial signals to identify the locations of dysrhythmias and to ablate cardiac tissue. Such devices typically include a plurality of spaced electrodes along their length for receiving signals for mapping and delivering RF energy for ablation. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,605, which discloses an epicardial ablation probe and U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,669 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,339, which disclose endocardial ablation catheters.

In general, bi-polar electrode devices apply RF energy directly to and through the surface of the tissue engaged by the electrode members. The electrodes, with the target tissue engaged thereby, form a conductive resistive circuit. When the electrodes are energized, the moisture in the tissue conducts the RF energy between the electrodes and the tissue begins to desiccate. As the tissue desiccates, it becomes more resistive. Tissue desiccation spreads laterally and inwardly from the surface of the tissue near the electrode-tissue contact area, where the current flux or density is greatest. Surface desiccation increases the resistance in the tissue and can make it more difficult to achieve good depth of penetration in underlying tissue without creating a larger than desired area of ablated tissue or excessive surface heating adjacent to the electrodes. Accordingly, techniques have been developed to overcome these undesirable surface tissue heating effects, including cooling or cryogenics and the selected positioning of electrodes. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,413,253 to Koop et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,629,535 to Ingle et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,022,121 to Stern et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,906 to Long, also incorporated by reference.

Nevertheless, a significant need still exists for improved electrosurgical devices for ablating tissue.

SUMMARY

Pursuant to the present disclosure, a device for ablating target tissue is provided that comprises an end effector that has at least two generally elongated, parallel ablation electrodes. The ablation electrodes are adapted to be conductively attached to a source of RE energy such that, when activated, the electrodes are of opposite polarity. A fluid pathway is provided within the end effector, and the source of fluid in communication with the fluid pathway is provided such that fluid being circulated through the pathway cools the electrodes. The end effector also includes means for enhancing the contact between the ablation electrodes and the target tissue.

In the illustrated embodiments, the means for enhancing contact may be either an expandable member or a suction port that is adjacent the electrodes. If the means for enhancing contact is an expandable member, the expandable member is preferably in fluid communication with the source of fluid so as to be inflatable thereby.

Preferably, the fluid pathway is closed, that is, it forms a closed circuit, and an electrically-insulated material is provided to separate the electrodes from the fluid pathway, such that there is not direct contact between the fluid and electrodes. The end effector may be mounted to a rigid, malleable shaft, so as to be part of an RE pen, a flexible shaft, so as to be part of a catheter-based device, or to be free standing, and useable with a robotic system.

Other features and advantages of the device will become apparent upon reference to the accompanying drawings and following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an RF ablation device embodying the one or more aspects of the subject matter described herein.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the assembly of the hand piece, shaft and end effector of the RF ablation device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the distal end of the RF ablation device of FIG. 1 showing the end effector and the distal end of the shaft.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the RF ablation device taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the RF ablation device taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5A is a side view of the distal end of the RF ablation device

FIG. 5B is a plan view of the distal end of the RF ablation device.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the shaft taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate portion of the shaft.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the fluid reservoir/pump assembly forming a part of the ablation device disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the fluid reservoir/pump assembly,

FIG. 11 is a side view of the fluid reservoir/pump assembly.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid reservoir/pump assembly taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid reservoir/pump assembly taken along lines 13-13 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the distal end of a second embodiment of an end effector in accordance with the present disclosure with the top cover of the housing removed to show details.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the distal end of the end effector similar to FIG. 14 with the linear electrodes additionally removed to show details.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the distal end of the end effector of FIG. 14 with both the linear and tip electrodes removed to show details.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of an end effector in accordance with the present disclosure including a vacuum assist for securing the end effector to the target tissue.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the end effector of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an ablation catheter according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the ablation catheter of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the ablation catheter of FIG. 20 showing one possible electrode configuration for the device.

FIGS. 23-28 are bottom views of an ablation catheter in accordance with the present disclosure showing alternative electrode array configurations, with two contacts (FIG. 23), four contacts (FIG. 24), ten contacts (FIG. 25), twelve contacts (FIG. 26), sixteen contacts (FIG. 27), and eighteen contacts (FIG. 28).

FIGS. 29-32 are perspective, top, side, and end views of a balloon suitable for use in the ablation device of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are plan and end views of a pad member suitable for supporting electrodes in accordance with one embodiment of the ablation device of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 35-38 are perspective, side, top, and end views of a long electrode suitable for use in the ablation devices of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 39-42 are perspective, side, top, and end views of a short electrode suitable for use in ablation devices of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 43 and 44 are plan and end views of an alternative embodiment of a pad member for supporting electrodes in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 45-47 are perspective, plan and side views of an alternate embodiment of the long electrodes for use in connection with the pad member of FIGS. 43 and 44 in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 48-50 are side, bottom and sectional views of the distal end of an ablation catheter having the electrode configuration shown in FIG. 22.

FIGS. 51-54 are side, bottom and first and second sectional views of an ablation catheter in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention having six contacts and a through-lumen.

FIGS. 55 and 56 are end and side views of a dual lumen tubing suitable for use in the ablation devices of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 57 and 58 are end and side views of a single lumen tubing suitable for use in the ablation devices of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 59 and 60 are end and side views of a steerable sheath for use in combination of the ablation devices of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 61 and 62 are perspective views of the pad member and associated thin electrodes of a six-contact ablation device in the “unrolled” condition (FIG. 61) and the compacted or rolled-up condition (FIG. 62).

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a further alternative configuration for the ablation catheter of the present disclosure, with the balloon removed to show detail.

FIG. 64 is a further perspective view of the ablation catheter of FIG. 63.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the ablation catheter of FIG. 63 in the undeployed configuration inside the sheath.

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the ablation catheter of FIG. 63 in the undeployed configuration outside the sheath.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated below to encompass radio frequency or RF surgical instruments and, more particularly, to an RF ablation probe for creating lines of ablation on cardiac tissue for the treatment of cardiac arrythmias such as atrial fibrillation. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Turning to FIG. 1, there is seen a first embodiment RF ablation device according to the present disclosure, generally designated 10. The ablation device 10 includes an end effector 12 for contacting target tissue to create one or more lines or areas of ablation. The illustrated end effector 12 may be mounted on the distal end of an elongated shaft 14, the proximal end of which is secured to a hand piece 16 that may optionally include controls for operating the device 10. Alternatively, the end effector 12 may comprise a discrete tool head configured for use with a control arm, such as a robotic arm robotic surgical instrument, as is shown in U.S. Published Application No. 2008/0243141, published Oct. 2, 2008, and incorporated by reference herein.

In keeping with one aspect of this description, the end effector 12 is fluid cooled. To this end, the ablation device 10 may be associated with a system that includes a source of fluid and means for circulating the fluid through the end effector 12. In the illustrated embodiment, such a system comprises a fluid reservoir/pump assembly, generally designated 18, that is housed separately from the hand piece 16. However, it is contemplated that the fluid reservoir/pump assembly 18 may also be housed within the hand piece 16.

Power for operating the pump assembly 18 and for activating the end effector 12 is introduced to the assembly 18 by means of an electrically-conductive cable 20. The pump assembly 18 is in fluid and electrical communication with the hand piece 16 by means of a combination fluid tubing/power cable 22 extending between the pump assembly 18 and the hand piece 16.

Turning to FIGS. 2-6, there is shown in greater detail an ablation device 10 and an end effector 12, according to a first embodiment. The end effector 12 includes one or more pairs of electrically-conductive electrodes 24 of substantially identical configuration. The illustrated electrodes 24 are shown mounted in generally parallel relationship in an insulative housing comprising a base portion 26 and a cover portion 28. Each of the illustrated electrodes 24 may be connected to a source of RF energy (e.g., an RF generator) by a conductive wire 25 extending from the hand piece 16 through the shaft 14 to the electrode 24, such that, when energized, the electrodes 24 are of opposite polarity. The subject matter described herein may also be used with other numbers of electrodes, as small as a single electrode (e.g., in a monopolar RF energy device) or multiple electrodes or electrode pairs that are energized individually, simultaneously, sequentially or in any other manner suited for the particular application.

In the illustrated embodiment, the electrodes 24 each include an elongated, relatively narrow tissue-engaging portion 24 a that is adapted to extend through slots in the base 26, with the surfaces 24 a protruding slightly beyond the surface of the base portion 26 (as best seen in FIG. 6) to facilitate contact of the tissue engaging portions 24 a of the electrodes 24 with the target tissue.

A thermister 29 may be carried in the housing between the electrodes 24 or at some other suitable location for monitoring the temperature of the end effector. The thermister allows the user to determine whether cooling fluid is circulating through the system. The system can be appropriately programmed so that if a threshold temperature (e.g.,50° C.-60° C.) is exceeded and detected by the thermister an alarm will go off, alerting the user and/or automatically terminating the current to the electrodes 24.

The electrodes 24 are made of electrically conductive material and may be made of copper, copper alloy, conductive polymer or other material. They may be coated or plated with any suitable material, e.g., gold, a release agent, or other. As illustrated, each electrode includes a fluid passageway 30 therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrodes 24 terminate with a boss 32 at their proximal end and with an aperture 34 at their distal end. The boss 32 of each electrode 24 facilitates the attachment of an insulative fluid tubing 36 to each electrode 24, while the apertures 34 are interconnected by an insulative tubular coupling 38 to complete a fluid flow path from the hand piece 16 through the shaft 14 (by means of the fluid tubing 36), serially through the electrodes 24, and then back through the shaft 14 to the hand piece 16.

In keeping with another aspect of this disclosure, if the cooling fluid is electrically conductive, the surfaces of the fluid cooling passages in the electrodes are provided with electrical insulation. The insulation may take any form that electrically insulates while also allowing heat transfer between the electrode and fluid flow in the passage. The coating prevents the cooling fluid, when circulated through the electrodes 24 of opposite polarity, from short circuiting the instrument 10 when activated by bi-polar RF energy. A preferred coating material is a polymer, such as parylene, which has a high dielectric and thermal conductivity, although other coating materials, such as quartz, may also be used. The coating thickness will depend on the material used. The coating, if parylene, is applied to the surfaces of the passageways 30 so as to have a thickness of from approximately 2 microns to approximately 10 microns and is preferably approximately 5 microns.

During use, it may be desirable to vary the alignment of the end effector 12 relative to the hand piece 16 in order to facilitate good contact between the tissue engaging surfaces 24 a of the electrodes and the tissue to be ablated. One method for accomplishing this is to provide a malleable shaft, so that the shaft can be bent and/or twisted to orient the end effector 12 as desired. While malleable shafts for surgical instruments are generally known, the provision of such a shaft is complicated in the present device because of the potential for kinking or crimping the fluid tubing 36, which could obstruct the free circulation of the cooling fluid through the instrument. Thus, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the shaft 14 is constructed so as to be both malleable and to inhibit the kinking of the fluid tubing 36 when the shaft 14 is bent or twisted. Specifically, the illustrated shaft 14 includes an internal, elongated stiffening element, described in greater detail below, that supports the fluid tubing 36 and spreads the localized stresses, which might otherwise buckle the tubings 26, over a larger area.

With reference to FIG. 2, the shaft 14 includes a proximal rigid zone 14 a and a distal malleable zone 14 b, although the entire length of the shaft may be either malleable, or rigid, as may be desired. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, the illustrated shaft 14 includes an elongated tubular housing 42, preferably made from aluminum or stainless steel, although other materials, e.g., polymers, may also be used. A shaft stiffener 44 is generally co-extensive with the tubular housing 42, and is located within the housing 42 between the fluid tubings 36. The stiffener 44 includes opposed grooves along the length thereof that are generally complementary in shape to the fluid tubing so as to be in close contact therewith. The stiffener 44 is preferably made of a bendable or flexible plastic or metallic material, such as ABS. Preferably, the stiffener 44 is also configured to accommodate the passage of the RF energy conductive wires 25, as well as the wire for the thermister 29 or other sensors or electrodes from the hand piece 16 to the end effector 12. This may be accomplished by providing passageways internally of the stiffener for receipt of such wires, or by providing further grooves in the exterior of the stiffener for seating the wires, or by some other arrangement. In the rigid zone 14 a, the shaft may be provided with additional stiffeners 44 a.

The tubular housing 42 may be also provided with a heat shrink coating of a polymeric material, such as fluoropolymeric tubing as indicated by reference numeral 45 in FIG. 8. The heat shrink coating serves to alleviate potential complications that may arise due to contact between the metal tubing of the shaft and the tissue and provide even greater biocompatibility.

To provide for a greater degree of variability of the position of the end effector 12 relative to the hand piece 16, the end effector 12 may be secured to the distal end of the shaft 14 by an articulation joint, generally designated 46 (see FIG. 3), that permits the end effector 12 to be moved angularly relative to the shaft 14. The articulation joint may be of any suitable construction that allows at least one degree of articulation. As best seen in FIGS. 3-5, the illustrated articulation joint 46 is in the form of a pivot connection that allows the end effector to be articulated by user manipulation. To this end, a clevis formed of substantially identical members 48 a, 48 b is secured to the distal end of the shaft 14. Each half 48 a, 48 b of the clevis is formed with a post 50 a, 50 b respectively, that is received in a corresponding aperture 26 a, 28 a in the base portion 26 and cover portion 28 of the insulative housing of the end effector. The posts 50 a, 50 b and the apertures 26 a, 28 a provide a pivot connection between the clevis and the end effector 12.

In the illustrated embodiment, a locating ring 52 a, 52 b is associated with each of the base portion 26 and cover portion 28. The locating rings 52 a, 52 b serve to reinforce the pivot connection. In addition, each base portion 26 and cover portion 28 defines a seat for a resilient ring 54 a, 54 b that provides some additional frictional engagement between the clevis and the end effector 12 to maintain the end effector 12 in position after it has been pivoted relative to the shaft 14.

As noted above, the ablation device 10 may be part of a system that includes a fluid reservoir/pump assembly, generally designated 18, for circulating cooling fluid through the electrodes 24. The fluid reservoir/pump may be part of the handle 16 or may be separate, as illustrated. With reference to FIGS. 9-13, the assembly 18 comprises a housing having a base portion 56 and a cover portion 58. The base 56 is configured to seat a reservoir 60 for the cooling fluid and a pump 62 for circulating the cooling fluid the system. The pump 62 is preferably an eccentric diaphragm pump, and a suitable pump may be obtained from, e.g., Schwarzer Precision GmbH & Co., of Essen, Germany. The pump 62 is preferably isolated from the housing by mounting pads 63, which serve to damp vibration generated by the operation of the pump.

The fluid reservoir 60 and pump 62 are interconnected through a series of fluid tubing links 64, with the combination fluid tubing/power cable 22 connecting the reservoir/pump assembly to the hand piece 16 to form a closed fluid circuit with the fluid tubing 36 and the fluid passageways 30 in the electrodes 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the volume of the entire fluid circuit is fixed, and is approximately 25-30 cc.

The cooling fluid used in the present invention may essentially be any fluid having a viscosity greater than the viscosity of air. Suitable cooling fluids include tap water, saline, distilled water and de-ionized water. The system may be pre-filled with cooling fluid or cooling fluid may be introduced into the system, such as through a port 66, which may be a needleless injection port secured to the housing by a standard leur fitting. The fluid circuit also includes a small amount of air in order to prevent the pump from hydrostatically locking. A sufficient amount of air may be introduced into the system through the port 66 when the cooling fluid is introduced. However, if the amount of air introduced is insufficient to avoid locking, the assembly 18 includes one-way valve or stopcock 68 that may be opened to permit additional air to be introduced into the reservoir 60. The illustrated system 18 also includes a pressure relief valve 70 to release fluid from the system should excessive pressure build up due to, e.g., a blockage in the fluid circuit.

In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir/pump assembly housing also contains a control module 72. The control module 72, which may also be located elsewhere, such as on the handle, controls the flow of power to the pump 62 and to the electrodes 24. The control module 72, which may include a programmable microprocessor programmed to carry out the functions of the module, also monitors the thermister 29, senses the current in the system, and actuates any signals indicating system status or alarms associated with the system, such as LEDs, that may be associated with the hand piece 16 or aural alarms.

As illustrated, the hand piece 16 is ergonomically configured so as to facilitate a comfortable and firm grip by the user, whether right-handled or left-handed. The handle or hand piece 16 may include a nose collar 74 at its distal end for permanently or removably securing the shaft 14 to the hand piece 16. The hand piece 16 also includes a flexible bend relief 76 at its proximal end, through which the fluid tubing/power cable 22 enters the hand piece 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hand piece 16 does not include any controls for operating the instrument, it being contemplated that power to the instrument for operating the pump and activating the electrodes be controlled through a foot pedal associated with a surgical generator (neither of which are shown). However, the hand piece 16 could include a button or switch or other controls for activating and otherwise controlling the instrument and its function.

While the instrument has been described as having a single pair of elongated, linear bi-polar electrodes along the length of the end effector, it is contemplated that additional electrodes may be employed, such as an additional pair of bi-polar electrodes mounted in the distal tip of the end effector. With reference to FIGS. 14-16, there is seen a second embodiment of a fluid cooled end effector 112 in accordance with the present invention. The end effector 112 includes a first pair of elongated linear electrodes 124, generally as described above, and a second pair of tip electrodes 178, each having a fluid passageway 180 therethrough. If the cooling fluid is electrically conductive, then the fluid passageway 180 of each electrode 124, 178 has an electrically insulating, thermally-conductive coating as described above.

The tip electrodes 178 are configured so that the fluid flow path goes serially through one of the linear electrodes 124, then through the tip electrode 178 located distally thereof, then laterally through the other tip electrode 178, and then through the linear electrode 124 located proximally thereto. Insulating fluid connectors are provided between the adjacent linear and tip electrodes, although the fluid path is not limited to this configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating connectors are in the form of O-rings 182 between each of the tip electrodes 178 and its corresponding linear electrode 124, and O-ring 184 between the two tip electrodes 178. A second pair of RF signal wires 186 is provided to carry current to the tip electrodes 178 to allow activation in any desired sequence.

In keeping with another aspect of the disclosure, the end effector or tool head is provided with a mechanism for enhancing contact between the electrodes and the target tissue, preferably along the entire length of the electrodes. To this end, the tool head, in one example, may be provided with at least one port or channel through which a vacuum or suction may be applied to draw the electrodes against the target tissue. As illustrated, the suction port is preferably substantially co-extensive with the electrodes along the length of the end effector, thus ensuring a good electrode to tissue contact along the entire length of the electrodes. Further, the suction port preferably comprises a single port so that, if contact between the suction port and the target tissue is broken anywhere along the length of the electrodes, the vacuum holding the tool head in contact with the target tissue is also broken and the tool head is released from the tissue. This helps to ensure that any ablation lines created by the tool head extend the full length of the electrodes. To better provide full-length ablation lines, the control system for the tool head may require sensing of the vacuum between the tool head and the target tissue before permitting activation of the electrodes.

The suction port or pocket is preferably configured so that when suction is applied to the tissue, the tissue is not drawn into the suction port to such an extent that tissue damage might occur or the tissue surface be unduly distorted. This is preferably accomplished by creating a plurality of suction regions that are sufficiently small so that, when the thickness and pliability of the target tissue is taken into account, the target tissue is unable to be unduly drawn into the interior of a suction port when a vacuum is applied. To accomplish this, the illustrated embodiment is provided with a suction port having an irregular configuration that creates, in effect, a plurality of substantially discrete suction regions.

Turning to FIGS. 17-19, one form of an end effector 212 according to the present disclosure and incorporating a vacuum assist feature is illustrated. Similar to the end effector 12 described above, the end effector 212 includes a pair of electrodes 224 having tissue contacting surfaces 224 a, and each having a passageway (not shown) through which fluid may pass. The electrodes 224 are received in a two-part housing comprising a base portion 226 and a cover portion or overmold 228. Tubing 236 is provided for delivering fluid to and from the electrodes 224, with a tubular coupling 238 providing a fluid cross-over between the electrodes 224. A thermister 229 is received in the base portion 226 between the electrodes for monitoring the temperature of the end effector 212. As noted above, the thermister 229 allows the user to determine whether cooling fluid is circulating through the electrodes, and the system may be programmed so that if a threshold temperature is exceeded and detected by the thermister, an alarm will go off alerting the user and/or automatically terminating the current to the electrodes 224.

To enhance the electrode-tissue contact, the base 226 of the end effector 212 is configured to have a single, continuous vacuum port 290 (best seen in FIG. 19) located between the tissue contacting surfaces 224 a of the electrodes 224. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum port 290 by means of a suction or vacuum lumen 292 mounted in the end effector 212 that is connected to an external vacuum source (not shown) by a suction or vacuum tubing 294. (Note that “vacuum” as used herein refers to a pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure and does not imply a total or complete vacuum.) Fluid passageways 296 (three shown) are provided between the vacuum lumen 292 and the vacuum port 290 create a vacuum within port 290.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum port 290 extends generally axially between the electrodes 224. However, other locations in sufficient proximity to one or both of the electrodes may be employed to enhance tissue contact. The vacuum port 290 has a length dimension sufficient to assure that, when a vacuum or suction is applied to the port 290 to secure the end effector to target tissue, the target tissue is drawn into contact with the tissue contacting surfaces 224 a of the electrodes 224 along substantially their entire length. As noted above, because only a single suction port is provided, it is more likely that full-length ablation lines will result. Specifically, if the vacuum between the end effector 212 and the target tissue is broken, the end effector will be released. Thus, there will be either substantially complete engagement of the electrode surfaces 224 a with the target tissue, or the end effector will be completely released from the target tissue. There will be no partial engagement.

While it is desired that the end effector be firmly attached by the vacuum pressure to the target tissue so that good tissue/electrode contact is established, the attachment should not be such that the tissue between the electrodes is drawn into the vacuum port to such a degree that the tissue surface is injured or significantly distorted. Thus, instead of the suction port 290 presenting a single relatively large open central area, it is formed with a series of lands 298 (two shown) or other dividing surfaces intermediate the ends of the port to form a series of three smaller suction areas 290 a, 290 b, and 290 c (as seen in FIG. 18). These smaller suction areas 290 a, b and c are interconnected by channels 290 d and 290 e (as seen in FIG. 19). Although the channels 290 d and e extend through to the surface of the end effector, these channels could be entirely on the interior of the base portion 226 and a single interconnected suction port 290 would still result. Thus, even though a single suction port is provided, it acts like plurality of smaller suction ports which do not allow the target tissue to be excessively drawn into the ports when a vacuum is applied.

The end effector may also be provided with one or more sensors. As noted in the published applications identified above, ablation devices may be provided with sensors for sensing such characteristics as voltage, tissue impedance, electrical conductivity, conduction time, conduction voracity and signal phase angle. Sensors may also comprise a pacing or stimulating electrode and a monitoring electrode, so that the effectiveness of the line of ablation may be assessed.

With references to FIGS. 17-19, the end effector 212 of the present disclosure is provided with at least one, and preferably a pair of sensors 297 a, 297 b, each having a conductively lead 299 a, 299 b, respectively, associated therewith. The sensors 297 a, 297 b have a tissue contacting portion exposed on the tissue engaging surface of the base portion 226 of the end effector 212. As illustrated, the sensors 297 a, 297 b are positioned between the electrodes 224 and spaced apart with sensor 297 a positioned distally of sensor 297 b.

The sensors can be configured to operate in monopolar or bipolar mode. During ablation, the sensors may be used in the monopolar modes and recordings taken to assess the progression of lesion formation and its overall quality. These sensors may be in the bipolar mode during lesion formation, such that when the amplitude of the signals received by the sensors has decreased by a significant amount, then the lesion may be deemed transmural. After lesion formation, the end effector may be rotated 90° so that the sensors 297 a and 297 b are located on opposite sides of the lesion. The sensors then may be used in the monopolar mode to determine the time delay in receipt of a pacing signal and, thus, the effectiveness of the lesion for blocking electrical impulses.

Turning to FIGS. 20-22, there is seen a further embodiment of an RF ablation device in the context of a catheter, generally designated 310, also in accordance with the present disclosure. The ablation catheter 310 includes a distal end 312 comprising an expandable member for enhancing contact of the ablation electrodes with the target tissue. The expandable member is in the form of an inflatable balloon 314. At least a pair of electrodes 316 is provided for the delivery of ablation energy to the target tissue, typically RF energy at 10-50 watts. As seen in FIG. 22, the electrodes 316 have a generally elongated configuration. The distal end 312 is also provided with a pair of smaller, point electrodes 318, which may also be used for delivering ablation energy to the target tissue, or to provide the catheter with other functionalities, which are discussed in greater detail below.

With reference to FIGS. 48-50, the electrodes 316, 318 are mounted to a pad 320 of sheet-like material, to which the balloon 314 is also mounted. Extending proximally from the balloon 314 and pad 320 is an elongated, flexible tubular member 322 through which a pressurized fluid is introduced into the balloon for inflation. The tubular member preferably comprises a multi-lumen tubing 322 a, such as that shown in FIGS. 55 and 56, so as to permit circulation of the inflation fluid through the balloon for cooling purposes. Alternatively, two separate tubes, each like the single lumen tubing 322 b shown in FIGS. 57 and 58, may be utilized to permit circulation of the inflation fluid through the balloon.

Also running proximally from each electrode is a conductive wire 324 adapted to be connected at its proximal end to a source of ablation energy, preferably RF energy. Preferably, the conductive wires 324 are secured to their respective electrodes 316, 318 such that the conductive wires 324 are located between the pad 320 and the balloon 314.

The ablation catheter 310 may also be used in conjunction with a sheath or guide tube 326, through which the ablation catheter 310 may be advanced once the distal end of the sheath 326 is located in the vicinity of the target tissue. Preferably, the sheath 326 is bidirectionally steerable, which facilitates the positioning and repositioning of the distal end of the ablation catheter once it is advanced through the sheath and assumes its deployed configuration. Various mechanisms and means for providing bidirectional steerability known in the art, and, thus, are not described in detail herein.

In order to be able to advance the ablation catheter 310 through the sheath or guide tube 326, the enlarged distal end 312 must be capable of compaction to an appropriate size and shape. Preferably, the enlarged distal end 312 is rolled into a generally cylindrical shape having a diameter less than the inside diameter of the sheath 326. See, e.g., FIG. 62. Then, upon exiting the sheath 326, the enlarged distal end 312 unrolls to its original shape to deploy the electrodes and balloon. See, e.g., FIG. 61.

As noted above, the number and configuration of the electrodes 316, 318 may be varied to provide the ablation catheter with multiple functionalities. Specifically, the number of electrodes and their arrangement may be selected to provide for the delivery of ablation energy to the target tissue, for performing electrophysiological mapping of the target tissue, for the delivery of stimulation/pacing pulses to the target tissue, and for sensing electrical pulses in either a bipolar or monopolar mode.

With reference to FIGS. 23-28 various electrode configurations are shown. FIG. 4 shows a configuration of two elongated ablation electrodes. FIGS. 24-26 show combinations of two elongated ablation electrodes with additional point electrodes. FIGS. 27 and 28 show arrays of point electrodes. In each configuration, the electrodes are located symmetrically relative to the longitudinal axis of the ablation catheter. A two-dimensional array of electrodes provide for greater accuracy in both sensing and pacing to determine the electrophysiological characteristics of the target tissue, and confirming the appropriate positioning of the electrodes prior to ablation, as it delivers and senses pulses whose vector is defined by two axes, and not a single axis as is the case in, e.g., an in-line array of electrodes. It is also anticipated that an ablation catheter according to the present disclosure could ablate between any two electrodes in the configuration, and that the electrodes could be either bipolar or monopolar, thus providing for a maximum amount of flexibility to accommodate the particular characteristics and requirements presented by each patient If ablation is performed with a monopolar electrode, a ground pad must be provided.

With reference to FIGS. 29-32, the balloon 314 is configured such that, when inflated, the balloon presents a generally flat surface 328 on the side closest to the target tissue so as to permit better contact of the electrodes with the target tissue. The balloon is preferably made of a polyethylene, polyurethane, silicone, PET or other material.

With reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, a pad member 320 for a four electrode ablation catheter is shown. The pad member 320 is preferably formed of a thin, sheet-like material (e.g., having a thickness of from about 0.003-0.010 inches) made of an insulative (both thermally and electrically) plastic material, such as polymide or ABS. The pad member 320 is sufficiently flexible so that the assembly of the pad member 320, electrodes 316, 318 and balloon 314 can be rolled up into a cylindrical-shape that is sized to be advanceable through the sheath 326, as described above. The pad member 320 preferably includes a support structure (described below) comprised of nitinol wire to provide strength and shape when the pad is unrolled.

As shown, the pad member 320 includes cut-outs 332 shaped to receive and position the electrodes. In this regard, and with reference to FIGS. 35-42, each of the electrodes 316, 318 is formed with a raised portion 334 for contacting the target tissue that fits through the opening 332 in the pad 320 and a flange or enlarged portion 336 that rests on the upper face of the pad member 320. In addition to maintaining the electrodes in place, the flanges 336 provide for an enlarged surface area that is in contact with the balloon to permit greater heat transfer away from the electrodes, thus allowing the formation of deeper lesions in the target tissue. The electrodes 316, 318 are typically formed of copper, and provided with a bio-compatible conductive coating, such as a nickel/gold coating.

Alternatively, the pad member 320 may be formed without cutouts for the electrodes, as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 and thin/flat electrodes 38, such as those shown in FIGS. 45-47 (e.g., having a thickness of approximately 0.010 inches) may be affixed to the lower surface of the pad member by means of, e.g., an adhesive. In a further alternative, the electrodes may be applied to the pad by lithographic or screen printing techniques well known in the art such as that used to fabricate flexible circuits. Regardless of the form of the electrodes, it is preferable to maximize the size of the contact area with the balloon in order to maximize heat transfer away from the electrodes.

The pad member 320 may not have sufficient structural integrity to resume its “unrolled” shape upon exiting the sheath 326. Thus, additional structural material or members may need to be associated with the distal end 312 to cause it to achieve its deployed shape. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 63 and 64, the outer edge of the pad member may be reinforced with a wire-like member 354 having a shape memory characteristic, such as nitinol. The wire forms a hoop that encompasses the pad 320 to provide shape memory, while also allowing the pad to be rolled-up so as to be received in the steerable sheath and to unroll upon exiting. The pad may be formed with tabs 356 that are folded over the wire 354 and secured to the top side of the pad by, e.g., an adhesive or welding. The reinforcing hoop may also be configured to provide the pad with a concave tissue-contacting surface, to counteract the tendency of the inflated balloon to make the tissue-contacting assume a convex shape, thus resulting in a generally flat tissue contacting surface.

Turning to FIGS. 51-54, there is seen a further alternative embodiment of an ablation device in accordance with the present disclosure. Similar to the devices described above, the ablation device 310 includes a balloon 314, a pad 320, electrodes 316, 318, conductive wires 324, and a sheath 326, as described above.

The device also includes two single lumen tubes 342, 344 disposed within an over-tubing 346. Tube 342 facilitates the introduction of inflation fluid into the balloon 314, with the space 348 between the over-tubing 346 and the two single lumen tubings 342, 344, one of the tubings serving as a return lumen for the inflation fluid, thus allowing circulation of the inflation fluid. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 63, two single lumen tubings 342 could be used, one serving as the inflation lumen and the other as the return lumen. Tube 344 extends through the balloon 314, with its end secured thereto by means of a plug 350 and sealant 352. The open tip of the tubing 344 may be utilized to perform one or more of the following: the injection of contrast media into the surgical site for visualization; injection of fluid at high pressure into the surgical area for the dissection of, e.g., adhesions and, possibly, the pericardial reflections; the injection of medications to, e.g., treat or cause arrhythmia; the injection or withdrawal of fluid into the intrapericardial space; and the measurement of the intrapericardial fluid pressure. Alternatively, tube 342 or 344 could contain a fiber optic or CCD chip to allow visualization of the intrapericardial space. The pad member and balloon 314 may be made of a transparent material, such as polyurethane, silicon or PET, and the balloon filled with a transparent fluid such as saline to facilitate visualization. Saline could also be injected into the intrapericardial space to provide direct visualization at the epicardium and intrapericardial space.

Thus, an ablation catheter has been disclosed that includes a pad for supporting the electrodes and an inflatable balloon that both facilitates contact between the electrodes and the target tissue (the epicardium) and ensures that energy is directed to the target tissue and not to surrounding structures (the esophagus or the phrenic nerve). The pad, electrodes, and balloon are compactable so as to be sized to advance through a sheath, with the sheath preferably being bidirectionally steerable for locating the electrodes relative to the target tissue. Inflation fluid is circulated through the balloon for cooling the electrodes, thus facilitating creation of deeper lesions, and for spacing the electrodes from adjacent structures, to lessening the likelihood of non-target tissue being damaged by the ablation energy. A through lumen allows for injection and/or withdrawal of various fluids from the intrapericardial space.

One benefit of the disclosed subject matter is that a surgical ablation device has been provided that reduces the surface tissue heating effects associated with prior art devices and, thus, allows resistive RF heating to penetrate more deeply into the target tissue, to more efficiently and effectively create transmural lines of ablation in the tissue.

Following from the above description and exemplary embodiments, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the foregoing constitute exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the disclosure is not necessarily limited to these precise embodiments and that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly stated. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the disclosure discussed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present disclosure may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein 

1. A device for ablating target tissue comprising: an end effector having at least two generally elongated, parallel ablation electrodes adapted to be conductively attached to a source of RF energy such that, when activated, the electrodes are of opposite polarity; a fluid pathway within the end effector; source of fluid in communication with the fluid pathway, the fluid being circulated through the pathway for cooling the electrodes; and means for enhancing contact between the ablation electrodes and the target tissue.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the fluid pathway is closed.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the end effector further comprises an electrically-insulating material separating the electrodes from the fluid pathway.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the electrically-insulating material comprises a polymer.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the means for enhancing contact comprises at least one suction port adjacent the electrodes.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the means for enhancing contact comprises an expandable member.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the expandable member is in fluid communication with the source of fluid so as to be inflatable thereby.
 8. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one sensor electrode located on the end effector between the ablation electrodes.
 9. The device of claim 1 further comprising an elongated shaft having a distal end to which the end effector is mounted.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the elongated shaft comprises a flexible material.
 11. The device of claim 9 wherein the elongated shaft comprises a rigid, malleable material.
 12. The device of claim 1 further comprising a bi-polar RF generator conductively connected to the electrodes.
 13. A method for epicardial ablation of heart tissue, the heart tissue having overlying pericardial tissue, the method comprising: accessing the epicardial surface in a minimally invasive procedure; providing an ablation catheter having at least a first pair of electrodes on the distal end thereof, the electrodes being connected to an RF energy source so that, when activated, the electrodes are of opposite polarity; positioning the electrodes to be in contact with the epicardial surface at a desired location; spacing the electrodes from the overlying pericardial tissue by enlargement of at least one expansion member associated with the ablation catheter adjacent the electrodes; and activating the electrodes with RF energy to create a line of ablation on the epicardial surface.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the expansion member is a balloon and the method including circulating a liquid through the balloon.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the ablation catheter is provided with a plurality of electrode pairs with the electrodes in each pair being of opposite polarity.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the ablation catheter is adapted to be advanced through a guide catheter, the distal end of the ablation catheter on which the electrodes are disposed having a lateral dimension greater than a diameter of the guide catheter, the distal end of the ablation catheter being compactable to facilitate introduction into and advancement through the guide catheter, the distal end of the ablation catheter being expandable upon advancement from the open distal end of the guide catheter.
 17. A method for ablating a left atrium of a heart adjacent esophageal tissue, the left atrium having an epicardial surface with overlying pericardial tissue, the method comprising: accessing the left atrium between the epicardial surface of the left atrium and the overlying pericardial tissue with a guide catheter having an open distal end introduced in a minimally invasive procedure; providing an ablation catheter having at least a first pair of electrodes on the distal end thereof, the electrodes being connected to an RF energy source so that, when activated, the electrodes are of opposite polarity; advancing the ablation catheter through the guide catheter and out the distal end of the guide catheter so that the electrodes are in contact with the epicardial surface of the left atrium at a desired location; spacing the electrodes from the overlying pericardial and esophageal tissue by inflation of at least one balloon member associated with the ablation catheter adjacent the electrodes; and activating the electrodes with RF energy to create a line of ablation on the epicardial surface of the left atrium.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the balloon is inflated with a liquid that is circulated through the balloon.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein the ablation catheter is provided with a plurality of electrode pairs with the electrodes in each pair being of opposite polarity.
 20. The method of claim 17 wherein the distal end of the ablation catheter on which the electrodes are disposed has a lateral dimension greater than a diameter of the guide catheter, such that the distal end of the ablation catheter is compacted to facilitate introduction into and advancement through the guide catheter, the distal end of the ablation catheter expanding upon advancement out of the open distal end of the guide catheter.
 21. An ablation catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and adapted to be advanced through a guide catheter, comprising: an elongated tubular member extending between the proximal and distal ends, the distal end being enlarged relative to the tubular member and supporting at least a first pair of electrodes and an expandable member, a conductive member carried by the tubular member associated with each electrode for the delivery of ablation energy thereto, the tubular member comprising at least a first lumen for delivery of pressurized fluid to the expandable member, wherein the enlarged distal end is capable of compaction to a size so as to permit advancement through the guide catheter and having shape memory so as to substantially return to its original size and shape upon exiting the guide catheter.
 22. The ablation catheter of claim 21 wherein the distal end is provided with a plurality of electrode pairs.
 23. The ablation catheter of claim 22 wherein the electrodes in each pair are spaced apart on opposite sides of a longitudinal center line.
 24. The ablation catheter of claim 21 wherein each electrode has a tissue contact surface area with an aspect ratio (length:width) of from 3 to about
 1. 25. The ablation catheter of claim 21 wherein the tubular member further comprises a second lumen in fluid communication with the first lumen at the distal end of the ablation catheter so as to permit circulation of pressurized fluid through the expandable member.
 26. The ablation catheter of claim 21 wherein the distal end is remotely steerable.
 27. The ablation catheter of claim 26 wherein the distal end is bi-directionally steerable.
 28. The ablation catheter of claim 21 further comprising a flexible, sheet-like pad having first and second sides, the electrodes being raised from the first side of the pad and the expandable member being secured to the second side of the pad.
 29. The ablation catheter of claim 28 wherein the electrodes are secured to the first side of the pad.
 30. The ablation catheter of claim 28 wherein the pad includes apertures for receiving the electrodes and the electrodes include flanges for engaging the second side of the pad to maintain the electrodes in position.
 31. The ablation catheter of claim 21 further comprising a steerable sheath. 